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10 Technical Information
PCI Installation Tips
PCI computers are designed to automatically configure add-in
cards each time the server starts. Your PCI server sets the I/O
address and IRQ level for your network adapter when the server
starts. The adapter software cannot change these values. If you
experience a problem when the server starts, you may need to
follow additional configuration steps.
On some servers, manual configuration is possible through the
server’s PCI BIOS setup utility. Refer to your server’s
documentation. You may need to verify or change some BIOS
settings.
Some common PCI solutions are listed here:
1. Bus master-enabled slots. On some servers, not all slots are
bus master enabled by default. Check your BIOS PCI bus
setting. It will be set to either Busmaster or
Non-busmastered. Choose Busmaster.
2. Reserve interrupts (IRQs) and/or memory addresses for
ISA adapters. This prevents PCI cards from trying to use
the same settings ISA cards are using. Check your PCI
BIOS setup program. There may be IRQ options such as
Enable for ISA, Reserve for ISA, or Disable for PCI. This
option is sometimes in the Plug and Play area of the BIOS
setup.
3. Enable the PCI slot. In some PCI servers, you must use the
PCI BIOS setup program to enable the PCI slot. This is
especially common in PCI servers with the PhoenixBIOS.
4. Update your PCI BIOS. An updated PCI system BIOS can
correct some PCI configuration problems. Call your server
manufacturer to see if an updated BIOS version is available
for your server.
5. Configure the slot for level-triggered interrupts. The slot
the adapter is using must be configured for level-triggered
interrupts rather than edge-triggered interrupts. Check